Phase 1 land quality assessments

We require a phase 1 land quality assessment to be submitted with all planning applications for:

• Any development where the site is known to be contaminated
• Any development where contamination is suspected for all or part of the site
• Any development sensitive to contamination, such as residential, schools, nurseries and allotments

More information is available about the sites that require land quality assessments on our planning pages.

Requirements of phase 1 land quality assessments

The desk study should include as a minimum:

• site description and location (including a clear map)
• historical information about the site
• surrounding area current use and historical uses
• conceptual site model identifying potential sources, pathways and receptors
• walkover survey
• geology
• hydro geological information

Relevant guidance for phase 1 land quality assessments

The guidance information listed below can be found by visiting the links on the right.

• CLR 11 Model procedures for the management of land contamination
• The National Planning Policy Framework
• Guidance on requirements for land contamination reports from the Environment Agency
• The Building Regulations 2000: Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture: Approved document C
• Guidance for the safe development of housing on land affected by contamination from National House Building Council (NHBC), Environment Agency and Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
• Industry profiles from the Department of the Environment (as was)

These lists are not exhaustive and act as a guideline only. You should satisfy yourself that all information relevant to site is included.

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